ROSSENDALE are hoping it's third time lucky as they bid to make the final 32 of the FA Vase.

After two postponements, Dale welcome North East Counties side Brigg Town to Dark Lane -- a side which have proved a bogey team for two of our teams, Clitheroe and Great Harwood, in recent seasons.

But Jim McCluskie's side are in a rich vein of form, having gone 15 games without defeat -- and McCluskie has not yet seen them lose as the 'gaffer.' "I'm just hoping it doesn't start tonight," said the Dale chief, who will receive his NWCL Division One manager of the month award for November before the game.

"And I'm hoping the dreaded manager of the month curse doesn't strike! I'm not looking forward to that bit!

"But we're all up for the match and we have the added incentive of a home tie in the next round -- against Billington Town or Tow Low Town -- so there's no doubt we're ready.

"The ground is quite dry and, as long as it hasn't rained this afternoon, it should go ahead."

A victory for Dale means they will join Clitheroe in the latter stages of the competition, the final of which will be played at Aston Villa's Villa Park. Accrington Stanley are in UniBond League Cup action when they make the short trip to Bamber Bridge.

John Coleman's men are unbeaten in five but, after three successive draws, will be aiming to put a win on the board in the group stages.

Chorley are also in League Cup action, looking to build on a 2-1 victory over Radcliffe Borough in the same competition last week. They make the trip to Congleton.

In the NWCL Division One, Ramsbottom, after three successive wins, will look to climb five places with a victory over Salford City tonight at the Riverside while there's a local derby at the Anchor Ground when Darwen welcome Nelson in the Worthington Challenge Trophy first round.

John Bailey's men, who are second in the NWCL Division Two table, have just one defeat in the last ten games and want to make their mark in this competition while Darwen, after three draws, aim to get one over on their neighbours.

In the Marsden Challenge Trophy, Bacup travel to Skelmersdale in a game switched from West View after several postponements.

Meanwhile, Clitheroe are in action tomorrow night when they travel to Curzon Ashton in the NWCL Division One.